How to Restore Faded Headlights at Home

Faded or yellowed headlights can make even the most well-kept vehicle look tired — and worse, they can seriously affect your night-time visibility and safety. Over time, exposure to sunlight, UV rays, road debris, and harsh weather can cause the clear plastic of your headlights to cloud or discolour. Fortunately, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars replacing them or booking in with a specialist. With a few tools and a little bit of patience, you can restore your headlights at home and bring back that showroom shine. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you do just that.

What You’ll Need

Before getting started, make sure you have the following items on hand:

• A headlight restoration kit (or sandpaper ranging from 600 to 3000 grit)
• Masking tape
• A spray bottle filled with water
• Microfibre cloths
• Plastic polish or rubbing compound
• UV sealant or headlight protectant

You can find all of these products at your local automotive store or from a trusted detailing supplier like Detail Central.

Step 1: Clean the Headlights Thoroughly

Start by washing your headlights with soap and water to remove surface dirt and grime. Dry them completely with a microfibre cloth. This step is essential to avoid scratching the lenses during the restoration process.

Step 2: Tape Around the Headlights

Using masking tape, protect the area surrounding your headlights — especially the paintwork and trim. Sanding can be an unforgiving process, so this step ensures you don’t accidentally damage other parts of your car.

Step 3: Wet Sand the Headlights

This is where the real magic begins. Using wet sandpaper, start with the lowest grit (around 600) and gently sand the headlight lens in horizontal motions. Keep the surface wet at all times to avoid scratching. Repeat the process using progressively finer grits (e.g., 1200, 2000, up to 3000), switching to vertical motions each time you change the grit. This helps to even out the surface and remove any previous sanding marks. After the final sanding pass, wipe the headlights down with a clean microfibre cloth.

Step 4: Polish the Lens

Apply a small amount of plastic polish or rubbing compound to a clean cloth or applicator pad. Buff the lens in small, circular motions until it begins to clear up and shine. This step can be done by hand or with a dual-action polisher for even better results.

Wipe away any excess polish with a clean cloth.

Step 5: Apply UV Sealant

This is one of the most important steps. Once your headlights are clear and polished, you need to protect them from future UV damage. Apply a UV sealant or protectant according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This layer acts as a barrier against sunlight, helping your headlights stay clear for longer.

Tips for Best Results

• Avoid working in direct sunlight — a shaded, well-ventilated area is best.
• Take your time with each sanding stage to ensure a smooth, consistent finish.
• Reapply UV sealant every few months to maintain long-term clarity.

Ready to get started?

Restoring your faded headlights at home is not only budget-friendly, but it’s also incredibly satisfying. With just a few simple tools and the right approach, you can significantly improve your car’s appearance and your visibility on the road.